The primary software for the Motorola (Vertex Standard) EVX-261 is the CE156 PC Programming Software. This software allows you to configure channel frequencies, privacy codes, and programmable button functions. Software & Hardware Requirements
To program the EVX-261, you will typically need the following:
Software: CE156 (for the digital EVX-261) or CE150 (for the analog VX-261 version).
Programming Cable: A USB-to-serial interface, such as the FIF-12 USB Interface Box combined with a CT-106 connection cable (3.5mm 4-pole jack). Operating System: Compatible with Windows 7, 10, and 11. Where to Find the Software The software is available through several channels:
Motorola Solutions: If you have a Motorola Online Account, the CPS is often available for free.
Authorized Dealers: Authorized sellers like Wireless Solutions and Radiotronics provide download links, though some may require a purchase or approval process.
Radio Community Sites: Technical archives like Radioscanner.ru often host software files for legacy and current models. Creating and Sending Text Messages
Since the EVX-261 is a digital (DMR) radio, it supports basic text messaging. According to the Motorola Solutions Documentation Portal, you can manage texts as follows: Vertex Standard CE-156 EVX-261 Programming Software
The rain was tapping a nervous rhythm on the roof of the ’98 Ford F-150. Inside the cab, lit only by the weak glow of a laptop screen, sat Carla. She was a volunteer firefighter for a small county that ran on goodwill and expired grants. In her lap sat a brick of a radio: the Motorola EVX-261.
She’d bought six of them surplus from a neighboring district. They were rugged, waterproof, and denser than a law textbook. But they were silent. Without the right software, they were just expensive paperweights.
Her search history told the whole story.
2:15 PM: motorola evx-261 programming software
A dozen links. All of them dead ends. One led to a shady forum from 2017 where a user named "ScannerDave" whispered about a cracked version on a Bulgarian FTP server.
3:00 PM: motorola evx-261 programming cable driver
She’d bought a $12 cable on Amazon. It arrived in a static-free bag with no instructions. Windows recognized it as an "Unknown USB Device." The blue light on the cable blinked in mockery.
4:30 PM: motorola evx-261 ce014 software error
She finally found a copy of the official software—EVX-261 CPS Version R02.03. It cost her a week’s grocery money for a license key. She installed it, held her breath, and clicked "Read Device."
CE014: Communication timeout. Check cable, radio power, and port settings.
Carla leaned her head against the cold glass of the truck window. In the volunteer department’s cinderblock station fifty yards away, the chief was pacing. A brush fire was creeping toward the old lumber yard. The new digital repeaters were online, but the EVX-261s were still locked to an old analog frequency they’d abandoned last spring.
She opened the laptop’s Device Manager. COM Port 5. She changed it to COM Port 2. She turned the radio off, then on. She tapped the programming cable’s box—a time-honored IT ritual.
One more try.
Click Read Device.
The progress bar appeared. 1%... 12%... 44%...
The radio beeped. The screen on the EVX-261 flickered to life: PROGRAM MODE.
Carla exhaled. She loaded the new code plug—the one with the correct repeater shifts, the P25 trunking settings, the emergency button tones that would pierce through smoke and chaos. motorola evx-261 programming software
Write Device.
The bar crawled to 100%.
She unplugged the radio, twisted the volume knob, and keyed the mic.
"Station 7, this is Unit 42. Radio check on digital channel 4."
The speaker crackled. Then the chief’s voice: "Loud and clear, 42. About damn time."
She smiled, gathered the remaining five radios, and set them in a row on the passenger seat. The software wasn’t just a tool. It was the key to the only thing that mattered when the world was on fire: the ability to say "I hear you," and mean it.
The Motorola (formerly Vertex Standard) EVX-261 is a versatile digital/analog hybrid radio. Programming it requires specific CE-156 software and compatible hardware to bridge your PC to the radio's 3.5mm jack. Essential Software & Hardware
To program the EVX-261, you will need the following toolset:
Software: The Vertex Standard CE-156 Digital Programming Software is the official utility for configuring frequencies and digital features.
Note: While some older "VX" models used CE-150, the "EVX" digital series specifically requires CE-156.
Programming Cable: The standard setup includes the FIF-12 USB Programming Interface paired with a CT-106 DIN-to-3.5mm jack cable.
Alternative (Cloning): For rapid deployment across multiple units, you can use a CT-27 Cloning Cable to copy settings directly from one radio to another without a computer. Programming Quick-Guide
Preparation: Install the CE-156 software and connect the FIF-12 interface to your PC.
Connection: Plug the 3.5mm jack of the CT-106 cable into the radio's accessory port and power the radio on.
Read Radio: In the software, select Radio > Upload (or "Read") to pull the current configuration. If you encounter a "Time Out Error," check your baud rate settings in the configuration tab. Configuration:
Channels: You can configure up to 16 channels with specific analog or digital (DMR) parameters.
Enabling Radio-to-Radio Cloning: If you plan to clone units later, go to Common > Miscellaneous and ensure "Radio to Radio Clone" is enabled before writing to the radio.
Write Settings: Select Radio > Download (or "Write") to save the new frequency data to the radio's flash memory. Advanced Features via Software
Beyond basic frequencies, the software allows you to unlock specialized "EVX" features:
Mixed Mode: Set the radio to automatically switch between analog and digital based on the incoming signal.
ARTS™ (Auto-Range Transpond System): Configure the radio to alert you when another ARTS-equipped unit moves out of communication range. The primary software for the Motorola (Vertex Standard)
Programmable Buttons: Customize the two side buttons for functions like Encryption, Lone Worker, or Emergency Alert. If you'd like to get started, let me know:
Do you already have the FIF-12 interface or are you using a third-party cable?
Are you setting up Digital (DMR) channels or staying strictly Analog?
Here’s a concise review of the Motorola EVX-261 programming software (often referred to as EVX-CLV or EVX Series Programming Software):
The Motorola EVX-261 is a workhorse in the world of two-way radios. Rugged, reliable, and capable of operating in both analog and digital (DMR) modes, it is a staple for construction sites, schools, and hospitality teams. However, out of the box, the radio is essentially a blank canvas. To unlock its full potential—specifically its digital capabilities—you need the right programming software.
Here is everything you need to know about obtaining, installing, and using the programming software for the Motorola EVX-261.
While the radio is part of the EVX series, the programming software required is often branded under the Motorola CP185 CPS. This is the official Windows-based application used to configure the radio’s personality, frequencies, and feature sets.
It is important to note that this software is proprietary to Motorola Solutions. Unlike some open-source amateur radio tools, the CPS is commercial software. To obtain a legitimate copy, you typically need to purchase a license key from an authorized Motorola dealer or the Motorola Solutions website directly.
Once your settings are configured, go back to the "Program" menu and select "Write to Radio." A progress bar will appear. Do not disconnect the cable or turn off the radio during this process. Once complete, the radio will typically emit a confirmation tone.
For a business with 1–5 radios, paying a dealer to program them once is the smartest move. For a school, event team, or farm with 20+ radios and frequent channel changes, investing in the Motorola EVX-261 programming software (or the RT Systems alternative) pays for itself in a single afternoon.
Final Checklist before you buy:
With the right tools and this guide, you can unlock the full potential of your EVX-261, ensuring crystal-clear, interference-free communication across your entire operation.
Disclaimer: Motorola Solutions does not endorse unlicensed programming. Always comply with local telecommunications laws. This guide is for informational purposes only.
The story of Motorola EVX-261 Programming Software (officially known as CE156) is one of transition—the moment when the rugged reliability of Vertex Standard merged with the powerhouse ecosystem of Motorola Solutions. The Legacy of CE156
Originally developed as the Vertex Standard CE156 software, this program was designed specifically for the EVX-261, a "mixed-mode" radio that bridged the gap between old-school analog and modern digital (DMR) communications. When Motorola fully integrated the Vertex Standard brand, they kept this specialized software alive to support the thousands of businesses relying on these durable handhelds. How the "Story" Works Today
To program an EVX-261, you don't just need the software; you need a specific physical "handshake" between your PC and the radio.
The Software: The CE156 PC Programming Software is the brain of the operation. It is available for free to those with a Motorola Online Account and remains compatible with Windows 7 and 10.
The Connection: The radio uses a single-pin connection. To talk to the software, you typically need the FIF-12 USB Programming Interface paired with a CT-106 radio programming cable.
The Capability: Once connected, the software unlocks the radio's 16-channel potential. You can configure "Talk Permit" tones (that distinctive triple-beep), set up MDC-1200 signaling for analog, and manage safety features like Lone Worker or Emergency Alerts. Why It Matters CE156_USA_5_03 - EVX-261 Programming Software
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Motorola EVX-261 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : A Programming Guide The Motorola (formerly Vertex Standard)
is a powerhouse for business communications, bridging the gap between analog and digital. But to truly tailor this radio to your team’s needs—like setting custom frequencies or enabling radio-to-radio cloning—you need the right software and hardware. The rain was tapping a nervous rhythm on
imageCarousel imageCarouselItem(results=["1.2.17"])imageCarouselItem(results=["1.2.23"])imageCarouselItem(results=["1.2.18"])imageCarouselItem(results=["1.2.19"]) 1. Essential Gear You'll Need
Before diving into the software, ensure you have the necessary connection hardware. The typically requires a two-part setup:
The Software: CE156 PC Programming Software is the official tool for the
The Interface: A FIF-12 USB Programming Interface acts as the bridge between your PC and the radio.
The Cable: A CT-106 radio programming cable (pigtail) connects the FIF-12 box to the radio's 3.5mm jack.
Alternative: Some third-party USB-to-3.5mm cables integrate the electronics directly into the USB head, though official equipment is recommended for firmware updates. 2. Getting the CE156 Software
Motorola Solutions usually distributes this software through licensed dealers. You can find "Download Only" versions at retailers like Quality 2-Way Radios or Magnum Electronics. Motorola EVX261 - Commercial Radios - Wireless Solutions
• EVX-260 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL. • EVX-260 SERIES SPEC SHEET. PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD: • FIF-12 Driver Install (Windows 7) www.wirelessradios.com Vertex Standard EVX-261 Prolific CT-106p Radio ... - eBay
The CE156 software is the required application for programming the Motorola EVX-261
digital/analog radio. It allows you to configure up to 16 channels, set frequencies and privacy codes, and customize the radio's two programmable buttons. Key Features and Capabilities
Using the CE156 software, you can manage both the analog and digital functionalities of your Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
Channel Configuration: Set specific VHF or UHF frequencies and assign privacy codes (CTCSS/DCS) to each of the 16 available channels.
Programmable Buttons: Customize the two side buttons for specific network requirements or features like lone worker alerts.
Digital Controls: Access advanced digital features such as Interrupt (ending a transmission to prioritize a message), Stun (temporarily disabling a compromised radio), and Revive.
Signaling Options: Configure MDC1200, DTMF, and 2-tone or 5-tone signaling for enhanced interoperability. Required Hardware
To connect the radio to your PC, you generally need two specific components:
FIF-12 USB Interface: A universal interface box used for most Vertex Standard/Motorola commercial portables.
CT-106 Cable: A DIN-to-3.5mm jack cable that connects the interface box to the radio's side port.
Note: Some users have successfully used generic USB-to-3.5mm "all-in-one" cables, though official Motorola/Vertex dealers recommend the FIF-12 for reliable firmware updates. Motorola EVX261 - Commercial Radios - Wireless Solutions
• EVX-260 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL. • EVX-260 SERIES SPEC SHEET. PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD: • FIF-12 Driver Install (Windows 7) www.wirelessradios.com
Motorola EVX-261 Moto Prolific CT-106p Radio Programming Cable